Williamsburg, KY – Wisconsin S3DA hosted a 3-D and Outdoor Target Regional at Outagamie County Conservation Club in Hortonville, WI. Blazin Arrows Inc., and the conservation club worked together to host 56 S3DA archers on a very challenging course for the 3-D event, while 32 archers stayed for the afternoon field target competition. With over 200 spectators on hand, families from all over the state traveled to this event. 9 WI S3DA clubs sent participants to both the

3-D and field target competitions.

“It is hard to believe there is that many kids here and they are so quiet,” said one parent. While the parents may have thought that kids were quiet, they were full of energy. Some students said they were excited to shoot on the same course as what they would compete on for the upcoming state event, because it gave them a little familiarity with the range layout. Other archers were extremely nervous, because it was there first time shooting in competition. Overall, the archers said they had a blast and made friends that would last a lifetime.

Andy Coon ran the registration for the event and commented, “These archers moved through the course, seeing friends they have made in what we call “The Big Wisconsin Archery Family” and they lightly conversed over one another being done with school for the year or showing each other their new shooting equipment. As they returned from the course, laughter and conversation could be heard all the way up the clubhouse, where I was located. It was like sweet music through the woods. As afternoon approached, the 3-D shoot-offs fired up and parents and teammates encouraged and cheered for each other as the numbers was called out by the officials. As the shoot-offs ended, each archer congratulated one another. These kids have grown so much in the last 3 years as archers, competitors and friends.”

“When I left my house, I thought what a great day to have an S3DA shoot. As I walked around the grounds, I listened in on some conversations and got to see how excited all the kids were to shoot. The most popular conversation was all the archers hoping that there was not a lot of dark targets to shoot at. It was impressive at how the kids helped each other out, especially the kids that were new and not familiar with the course. I would like to thank the Outagamie County Conservation Club staff and parents who came out to help set-up and make this shoot possible,” stated Sam Mallman

WI Blazin Arrows President, Scott Fuchs stated, “It was great to see so many youth archers supporting each other and enjoying the 3-D, Outdoor Target and shootdown competition together. For me, seeing the kids celebrate someone’s personal milestone together is the best. Whether it is a personal high score, most 12’s or X’s, or a 14 in the shoot-down, people walk away smiling. The friendships these archers have formed through S3DA competitions like this one are incredible.”

WI S3DA State Coordinator, Dan Schroeder stated, “With the strong winds and bright sunshine, it was impressive to see archers holding umbrellas for other club and team participants and helping during the shoot-offs as well. I think the host site did a phenomenal job of making sure that everyone had food to eat, were treated with respect and welcomed everyone with open arms. We look forward to our upcoming 3-D and Outdoor Target State Championships coming up in a couple weeks.”

Started in December 2012 by the Scholastic Archery Association, S3DA has grown exponentially as a next step program to follow introductory programs offered as part of 4-H or the National Archery in Schools Program. S3DA addresses the need for a program to bridge beginning target archery experience and more advanced activities such as 3-D shooting and bowhunting. The program currently operates across the United States with hundreds of certified coaches serving thousands of young archers, grades 3–12.

For more information on S3DA membership go to: WWW.S3DA.ORG or email: infos3darchery@gmail.com

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